A business-friendly government? Yeah, right

A business-friendly government? Yeah, right
Banks and supermarkets are not out of jail free with a centre-right government. (Image: Getty)
Pattrick Smellie
According to myth and legend, New Zealand business owners are happier with a “blue” than a “red” government, and that’s because National party-led governments “understand business better” than Labour-led ones.They’re probably right about that. The centre-right’s defining feature is instinctively sympathetic to the risks taken by the average NZ small businessperson to build a profitable company.The kind where staff, tax and invoices are all paid before the owner, year in and year out, an...

More Law & Regulation

New rules to press gentailers on ‘super-peak’ price relief
Policy

New rules to press gentailers on ‘super-peak’ price relief

Mandatory non-discrimination rules are coming for power sales to rivals.

Pattrick Smellie 19 Aug 2025
Auckland Council proposes downzoning 12,000 properties
Policy

Auckland Council proposes downzoning 12,000 properties

The council is also proposing to enable 10-15 storey apartments around more than 40 hubs.

Oliver Lewis 19 Aug 2025
Govt outlines changes to building consenting regime
Law & Regulation

Govt outlines changes to building consenting regime

Councils will be able to voluntarily consolidate consenting functions,

Staff reporters 18 Aug 2025